MODULE 1

MODULE 1
in THE LIMIT OF A FUNCTION: FUNCTION AND EXAMPLES

EN CALC INTRODUCTION

(Enhancement Calculus)
Limits are the backbone of calculus, and calculus is called the Mathematics of Change. The study of
limits is necessary in studying change in great detail. The evaluation of a particular limit is what
underlies the formulation of the derivative and the integral of a function.

This is how it is limits of functions. We will consider functions of a single variable and study the behavior
of the function as its variable approaches a particular value (a constant). The variable can only take
values very, very close to the constant, but it cannot equal the constant itself. However, the limit will
be able to describe clearly what is happening to the function near that constant.
Prepared by: As your facilitator of learning, I will enrich our discussion by presenting information with citations. If you
Mr. Jonathan M. Jabel have questions please do not hesitate to call, text, or chat me.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module, the students are expected to perform appropriate suitable mathematical
and statistical computations in data analysis.

CONTENTS OF THE MODULE

This module contains the following lessons:
Lesson 1: The limit of a function
Lesson 2: Illustrations of Limit Theorems

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO USE THE MODULE PROPERLY

In order to benefit profoundly from this module, please be guided by all the key points presented
below.
1. This module contains (2) lessons. Each lesson is explaining authentically. Read and understand
carefully so that you would know the lesson entirely.
 2. On the first page of this lesson, you will notice the specific learning outcomes (SLO’s) of each
lesson. LSOs are knowledge and skills you are expected to obtain at the end of the lesson. Supposed, we have the given function
3. You are obliged to answer the learning Activities/ Exercises (LAEs). The LAEs are outlined to lim(1 + 2𝑥 )
help you in how to obtain the SLOs 𝑥→5

4. Feel free to chat, call, text or send me an email if you have questions, reactions, or reflections Here, f(x) = 1+2x and the constant c, which x will approach, is 5. To evaluate the given limit, we will make
about the module’s contents or activities. use of a table to help us keep track of the effect that the approach of x towards 5 will have on f(x). of
5. The Practice Task/ Assessment and the Assignment shall be checked by me. course, on the number line, x may approach 5 in two ways: through values on its left and through values
its right. We first consider approaching 5 from its left or through values less than 5. Remember that the
LESSON 1 – The Limit of a Function
values to be chosen should be close to 5.
Specific learning Outcomes

These are the learning objectives for the specific lesson: To show, consider that the values of x approaches to 5. Start with
1.) Discuss the limit of a function using table of values,
2.) Determine the limit of a function; x = 4, so we have
3.) Construct the table of values to investigate the given limits.
1+2(4) = 9 1+2(4.4) = 9.8 1+2(4.7) = 10.4

MOTIVATION 1+2(4.9) = 10.8 1+2(4.95) = 10.9 1+2(4.997) = 10.994

1+2(4.9999) = 10.9998 1+2(4.9999999) = 10.9999998

For starters, imagine that you are going to watch a basketball game. When you select a seat, you
ought to be as close to the action as possible. You ought to be as close to the players as possible and x f(x)
have the foremost aspect of the game, as if you were in the basketball court yourself. Note that you 4 9
cannot literally be in the court and join the players, but you will be close sufficiently to relate fully what 4.4 9.8
is happening in the game. 4.7 10.4
4.9 10.8
4.95 10.9
Discussion 4.997 10.994
4.9999 10.9998
Consider the function f of a single variable x. consider a constant c which the variable c will approach (c 4.9999999 10.9999998
may or may not be in the domain of f). The limit, to be denoted by L, is the unique real value that f(x) will
approach as x approaches c. in symbols, we write this process as
Now we consider approaching 5 from its right or through values greater than but close to 5.
lim 𝑓(𝑐)= L
𝑥→𝑐 To show,
This is read, “The limit of f(x) as x approaches c is L.” 1+2(6) = 13 1+2(5.5) = 12 1+2(5.2) = 11.4
LOOKING AT A TABLE OF VALUES 1+2(5.1) = 11.2 1+2(5.03) = 11.06 1+2(5.009) = 11.018
1+2(5.0005) = 11.001 1+2(5.0000001) = 11.0000002
𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 4
If f(x) = {
(𝑥 − 4)2 + 3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 4

𝑥 2 +6
x f(x) 5.) lim 𝑥2 +2
6 13 𝑥→0
5.5 12
5.2 11.4
5.1 11.2
5.03 11.06 Example 1. lim(𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→0
5.009 11.018
5.0005 11.001 Solutions:
5.0000001 11.00000002
By creating table of values, let c = 0 and f(x) = 𝑥 2 + 1.

Observe that as the values of x get closer and closer to 5, the values of f(x) get closer and closer to 11. Consider the value approaches 0 to its left
This behavior can be shown no matter what set of values, or what direction, is taken in approaching 5. In To show,
symbols, → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = -1 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = - 0.5
= (−1)2 + 1 = (−0.5)2 + 1
= 1+1 = 0. 25 + 1
lim(1 + 2𝑥 ) = 11. = 2 = 1.25
𝑥→5

→ 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = - 0.7 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = - 0.3
Investigate the following examples: = (−0.7)2 + 1 = (−0.3)2 + 1
= 0.49 + 1 = 0. 09 + 1
= 1.49 = 1.09
1.) lim(𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→0

→ 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = - 0.1 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = - 0.001
2.) lim|𝑥 |
𝑥→0 = (−0.1)2 + 1 = (−0.001)2 + 1
= 0.01 + 1 = 0.000001 + 1
= 1.01 = 1.000001
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+4
3.) lim
𝑥→1 𝑥−1 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = - 0.01
= (−0.01)2 + 1
= 0.0001 + 1
4.) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 1.0001
𝑥→4
 x f(x) x f(x)
-1 2 1 2
-0.7 1.49 0.7 1.49
-0.5 1.25 0.5 1.25
-0.3 1.09 0.3 1.09
-0.1 1.01 0.1 1.01
-0.01 1.0001 0.01 1.0001
-0.001 1.000001 0.001 1.000001
-0.000001 1.00000001 0.000001 1.00000001

Consider the value approaches 0 to its right The tables show that as x approaches 0, f(x) approaches 1. In symbols,
To show,
lim( 𝑥 2 + 1) = 1.
𝑥→0
→ 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 1 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.5
= (1)2 + 1 = (0.5)2 + 1 2.)lim|𝑥 |
= 1+1 = 0. 25 + 1 𝑥→0
= 2 = 1.25 Solution:

→ 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.7 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.3 By creating table of values, let c =0 and f(x) =| 𝑥 |

= (0.7)2 + 1 = (0.3)2 + 1 To show, consider the value approaches 0 to its left
= 0.49 + 1 = 0. 09 + 1
= 1.49 = 1.09 lim|𝑥 | = 0
𝑥→0
 |𝑥 |, if x = -1 → |𝑥 |, if x = -0.7
= |−1| = |−0.7|
=1 = 0.7
→ 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.1 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.001  |𝑥 |, if x = -0.5 → |𝑥|, if x = -0.3
= (0.1)2 + 1 = (0.001)2 + 1 = |−0.5| = |−0.3|
= 0.01 + 1 = 0.000001 + 1 = 0.5 =0.3
= 1.01 = 1.000001

→ 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.01 → 𝑥 2 + 1, if x = 0.001  |𝑥 |, if x = -0.1 → |𝑥 |, if x = -0.01

= (0.01)2 + 1 = (0.0001)2 + 1 = |−0.1| = |−0.01|
= 0.0001 + 1 = 0.00001 + 1 = 0.1 = 0.01
= 1.0001 = 1.0000001
 |𝑥 |, if x = -0.001 → |𝑥 |, if x = -0.000001
= |−0.001| = |−0.000001|
= 0.001 = 0.0000001
 x f(x) The tables show that as x approaches 0, f(x) approaches 0. In symbols,
-1 1
-0.7 0.7 lim|𝑥 | = 0.
𝑥→0
-0.5 0.5
-0.3 0.3
-0.1 0.1 Note
-0.01 0.01
-0.001 0.001
-0.000001 0.000001

Consider the value approaches 0 to its right Answer the remaining items and create the table of values.
To show,

 |𝑥 |, if x = 1 → |𝑥 |, if x = 0.7
= |1| = |0.7|
=1 = 0.7 PRACTICE TASK/ ASSESSMENT
 |𝑥 |, if x = 0.5 → |𝑥 |, if x = 0.3
= |0.5| = |0.3| Exercises:
= 0.5 =0.3 1. Fill in the following tables of values to investigate lim(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1).
𝑥→1

 |𝑥 |, if x = 0.1 → |𝑥 |, if x = 0.01
= |0.1| = |0.01|
= 0.1 = 0.01 x f(x)
0.5
 |𝑥 |, if x = 0.001 → |𝑥 |, if x = 0.000001 0.7
= |0.001| = |0.000001| 0.9
= 0.001 = 0.0000001 0.95
0.9995
0.99999995
x f(x)
1 1
0.7 0.7
x f(x)
0.5 0.5
1.6
0.3 0.3
1.35
0.1 0.1
1.05
0.01 0.01
1.005
0.001 0.001
1.0005
0.000001 0.000001
1.000005
 𝑥−1 1⁄
2. Fill in the following tables of values to investigate lim 𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
𝑥→0 g. lim 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑖𝑓 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = { 2 𝑥
𝑥→ 0 𝑥 −2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0
x f(x)
-1 𝑥+3 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 1
-0.8 h. 𝑥→
lim 𝑓(𝑥 )𝑖𝑓 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = {2𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 1
1
-0.35 √5𝑥 − 1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 1
-0.1
-0.09
-0.0003
-0.000001 LESSON 2 - ILLUSTRATION OF LIMIT THEOREMS
SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES
x f(x)
1 These are learning objectives for the specific lesson:
0.75
0.45 1. Discuss the basic theorems on limits;
0.2 2. Illustrate the limit laws.
0.09
Discussion
0.0003
0.000001 In the previous topic, it was shown how limits can be determined through a table of values. Someone
might ask, it is a must to make a table to find the limit? Filling in a table of values sometimes requires very
3. Create a table of values to investigate the following limits: tedious calculations. However, these should not be the reasons for student to fail to determine a limit.
10
a. lim
𝑥→3 𝑥−2
b. lim
10
In this lesson, we will learn how to compute the limit of a function using limit theorems.
𝑥→7 𝑥−2
We are now ready to list down the basic theorems on limits. We will state eight theorems. These will
2𝑥+1
c. lim enable us to directly evaluate limits, without a need for a table.
𝑥→2 𝑥−3

𝑥 2 +6
d. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥 2 +2 In the following statements, c is constant, and f and g are functions which may or may not in their domains.
1
e. lim
𝑥→1 𝑥+1
1.) The limit of a constant is itself. If k is any constant, then,
1⁄ 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 1
f. lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) 𝑖𝑓 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = { 2 𝑥
𝑥→1 𝑥 −2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 1 lim 𝑘 = k.
𝑥→𝑐
For example, c. lim
3 3
. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 . lim 𝑓(𝑥) =
3
. 4 = 6.
𝑎. lim 2 = 2 𝑥→𝑐 2 𝑥→𝑐 2
𝑥→𝑐
b. lim −3.14 = -3.14 4.) The addition theorem: this says that the limit of a sum of functions is the sum of the limits of the
𝑥→𝑐
c. lim 2020 = 2020 individual function. Subtraction is also included in this law, that is the limit of a difference of
𝑥→𝑐
2.) The limit of x as x approaches c is equal to c. This may be thought of as the substitution law, functions is the difference of their limits.
because x is simply substituted by c.
lim ( 𝑓 (𝑥 ) + 𝑔 (𝑥 )) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) + lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐿 + 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑥 = c. lim ( 𝑓 (𝑥 ) − 𝑔 (𝑥 )) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) − lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐿 − 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

For example, For example,

a. lim 𝑥 = 9
𝑥→9
b. lim 𝑥 = 0.005 if lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −5, then
𝑥→0.005 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
c. lim 𝑥 = −10 a. lim ( 𝑓(𝑥 ) + 𝑔 (𝑥 )) = lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) + lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 4 + (−5) = −1.
𝑥→−10 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. lim ( 𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑔 (𝑥 )) = lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) − lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 4 − (−5) = 9.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
For the remaining theorems, we will assume that the limit of a f and g both exist as x approaches c and
that they are L and M, respectively. In other words,
5.) The multiplication theorem: this is similar to the addition theorem, with multiplication replacing
lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐿, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑀. addition as the operation involved. Thus, the limit of a product of functions is equal to the product
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
of their limits.
3.) The Constant Multiple Theorem: this says that the limit of a multiple of a function is simply that
multiple of the limit of the function. lim ( 𝑓 (𝑥 ) . 𝑔 (𝑥)) = lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) . lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐿 . 𝑀.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

lim 𝑘. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑘. lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑘. 𝐿. Again, let lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = -5 then,
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

lim ( 𝑓 (𝑥 ) . 𝑔 (𝑥)) = lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) . lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 4 . (−5) = −20.

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
For example,
6.) The Division Theorem: This says that the limit of a quotient of functions is equal to the quotient
If lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 4, then of the limits of the individual functions, provided the denominator limit is not equal to 0.
𝑥→𝑐

a. lim 8 . 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 8 . lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 8 . 4 = 32. 𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥→𝑐
𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
b. lim −11 . 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = −11. lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = −11 . 4 = −44.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝐿
= 𝑀, provided that M ≠ 0

For example,
 a. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = -5, a.) if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

lim 𝑓(𝑥)
lim √𝑓(𝑥) = √lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √4 = 2.
𝑓(𝑥) 4 4 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
lim = 𝑥→𝑐 = =- .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔(𝑥) −5 5
𝑥→𝑐 b.) if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = -4, then it is not possible to evaluate lim √𝑓(𝑥) because then,
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = -5,
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓(𝑥) 0 √lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √−4, and this is not a real number.
𝑥→𝑐
lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥→𝑐 = = 0.
𝑥→𝑐 lim 𝑔(𝑥) −5
𝑥→𝑐
(C.) EXERCISES
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑐. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, it is not possible to evaluate lim , or we
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑔(𝑥) 1. Fill in the following tables.
may say that the limit DNE.
C lim 2020 lim 𝑥
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

7.) The power theorem: this theorem states that the limit of an integer power p of a function is just -2
that power of the limit of the function. -1⁄2
0
lim(𝑓(𝑥))𝑝 = (lim 𝑓(𝑥))𝑝 = 𝐿𝑝 . 3.1416
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
10
For example, √3
a. if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then
𝑥→𝑐 2. Assume the following:
3 3
lim(𝑓(𝑥) )3 = (lim 𝑓(𝑥)) = 4 = 64.
3
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = , lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 12. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim ℎ(𝑥) = −3.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 4 𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
b. if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 4, then
𝑥→𝑐
−2
Calculate the following limits:
1 1
lim(𝑓(𝑥))−2 = (lim 𝑓(𝑥)) = 4−2 = 42 = 16.
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 a. lim(−4. 𝑓(𝑥 ))
𝑥→𝑐

8.) The radical/ root theorem: This theorem states that if n is a positive integer, the limit of the nth b. lim √12. 𝑓(𝑥 )
𝑥→𝑐
root of a function is just the nth root of the limit of the function, provided the nth root of the limit c. lim(𝑔(𝑥) − ℎ (𝑥 ))
is a real number. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that if n is even, the limit of the function 𝑥→𝑐

must be positive. d. lim(𝑓(𝑥) . 𝑔(𝑥))

𝑥→𝑐
𝑔(𝑥)+ℎ (𝑥)
e. lim
𝑥→𝑐 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑛
lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝐿. 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐 f. lim (ℎ(𝑥) . 𝑔(𝑥 ))
𝑥→𝑐
For example, g. lim(4 . 𝑓(𝑥 ) + ℎ (𝑥 ))
𝑥→𝑐
h. lim(8 . 𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑔(𝑥 ) − 2 . ℎ(𝑥)) 2.) What are some of the most interesting discoveries that I have gathered as I was
𝑥→𝑐
i. lim(𝑓(𝑥) . 𝑔 (𝑥) . ℎ (𝑥 )) studying the lesson?
𝑥→𝑐
j. lim √−𝑔(𝑥 ) . ℎ (𝑥) ____________________________________________________________
𝑥→𝑐
𝑔(𝑥) ____________________________________________________________
k. lim 2
____________________________________________________________
𝑥→𝑐 (ℎ (𝑥))

l. lim
𝑔(𝑥)
. (𝑓(𝑥)) _____________________________________________________________
2
𝑥→𝑐 (ℎ(𝑥)) ______________________________________________________ .

Enrichment Activity References/ Reading Materials

1. Without a table of values, give the values of the following limits and explain how will you arrive Understanding Basic Calculus
at your evaluation. By: S.K. Chung
a.) lim (3𝑥 − 5)
𝑥→ −1 The Everyday Guide to Calculus 1
𝑥 2 −9 By: Greg Hill
b.) lim 𝑥 2−4𝑥+3 , where c = 0, 1, 2
𝑥→𝑐 National Council Of Teachers of Mathematics
𝑥 2 −9
c.) lim 𝑥 2−4𝑥+3 Teaching Guide for Senior High School
𝑥→3
By: Jose Maria P. Balmaceda, Ph. D.
Carlene P.C. Pilar-Arceo, Ph. D.
Reflection or Insights Richard S. Lemence, Ph. D.
Personal reflection Oreste M. Ortega Jr.
Louie John D. Vallejo, Ph. D.
1. What are some of the difficulties that I have encouraged while I was on this module?
___________________________________________________________________
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